Forum Discussion
MEXICOWANDERER
Oct 12, 2017Explorer
I hesitated writing this as I feel strongly it would be a waste of time.
Professionals compensate for abnormally high ambient temperature by adjusting the specific gravity of cell electrolyte.
Adjustment means less dense specific gravity. More water less acid. A higher percentage of water.
In this case I would recommend a final specific gravity of 1.260
Equal to a .025 reduction in density
Means a fully charged battery measured with a hydrometer will be 1.260
DRAWBACKS
What's left in the plastic container is HAZARDOUS WASTE. Seal it tight. Many battery places will accept it because it is stated as being BRAND NEW ELECTROLYTE.
ADVANTAGES
Gassing, corrosion is dramatically reduced in lieu of reducing charging voltages. However to make this perfectly clear HOT acid eats plates regardless of voltage. Only weakening the potency of acid reduces plate corrosion to "normal" amounts.
A battery DISTRIBUTOR such as the regional INTERSTATE battery distributor may or may not be willing to do this for a price. Only you can decide whether or not 250% increase in battery life justifies the hassle or labor cost.
Professionals label this adjustment as being TROPICAL BLEND ELECTROLYTE
Professionals compensate for abnormally high ambient temperature by adjusting the specific gravity of cell electrolyte.
Adjustment means less dense specific gravity. More water less acid. A higher percentage of water.
In this case I would recommend a final specific gravity of 1.260
Equal to a .025 reduction in density
Means a fully charged battery measured with a hydrometer will be 1.260
DRAWBACKS
- Cell electrolyte must be diluted with distilled water
- All cells MUST be equal in density
- The best way to do this is to wear gloves and googles
- Carefully empty all six cells into a plastic vessel
- Five gallons capacity would be ideal
- Measure specific gravity as it sits
- Start adding distilled water
- A BIT AT A TIME
- Stir thoroughly after each tweak with water
- Measure gravity after EACH addition of distilled water
- Slowly but surely dilute the electrolyte to 1.260
- If you bumble and gravity ends up at 1.258 don't sweat it
What's left in the plastic container is HAZARDOUS WASTE. Seal it tight. Many battery places will accept it because it is stated as being BRAND NEW ELECTROLYTE.
ADVANTAGES
- At temperatures of 90F adjusted density will maintain same spec performance as the battery did with original acid at 68F
- Battery life is at the very least DOUBLED (expect 250%) at elevated temperatures
- The advantage increases as the temperature exceeds 100F to 110F
- The battery can be "more safely" charged at extreme temperature.
SAFETY FIRST! Please do not even think about doing this without using goggles and plastic gloves.
Gassing, corrosion is dramatically reduced in lieu of reducing charging voltages. However to make this perfectly clear HOT acid eats plates regardless of voltage. Only weakening the potency of acid reduces plate corrosion to "normal" amounts.
A battery DISTRIBUTOR such as the regional INTERSTATE battery distributor may or may not be willing to do this for a price. Only you can decide whether or not 250% increase in battery life justifies the hassle or labor cost.
Professionals label this adjustment as being TROPICAL BLEND ELECTROLYTE
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